70-300is: sports and birds?

[Andy1265]

How is the Canon 70-300IS for birds and little league? My budget is all but killing me. The 70-200L F/4 is about 579 and the latter is 549. I've gotten the backyard birding bug so I would think the extra reach of the 70-300 would be ideal. Yeah it's a bit short for serious birding but I can't afford the "big lenses" at this time. I'm also shooting my son in little league. Aside form the low light issue, is that lens suitable for sports? It's gotta be better than the 28-135. Thanks!

[Perry Ge]

It's alright. I used one for a while, and IQ is very good, it's very sharp, and IS helps a lot.

BUT, and here's the big but...the AF sucks. No focus limiter, no full-time manual, and no ring-USM. When this thing decides to hunt through the whole range (which mine did a lot when I pushed it), be prepared to lose the shot and wait.

[Mork350D]

I would agree, IS is great, its sharp and ive taken some shots Im very happy with but the slow hunting focusing makes me want to scream sometimes, normally happens when trying to catch bird in flight or if the light isnt the best, its fine the rest of the time.

[Perry Ge]

I would agree, IS is great, its sharp and ive taken some shots Im very happy with but the slow hunting focusing makes me want to scream sometimes, normally happens when trying to catch bird in flight or if the light isnt the best, its fine the rest of the time.
I almost smashed the darn lens a few times because of it. It's so infuriating, especially without FTM. I owned it for less than a month, then traded it for a 200L. Best decision ever.

[packpe89]

How about an older 300F4. You can find them in that range sometimes, much better AF and sharper. IS, not much help for sports or birding.

Joe

[Andy1265]

Thanks guys!